The Houghton College Men's Tennis team dropped a 6-3 decision against SUNY Oneonta Saturday afternoon to drop their record to 3-8 on the year. Despite the Highlanders battling hard and being competitive in several matches, the men were not able to get over the hump. The Highlander's found themselves in a 2-1 hole after doubles. Jaimie Staerkle and Nolan Zach fell 8-4 at the first flight, while Levi Webb and Micah Schilke also fell 8-4 at the second pairing. The upperclassmen duo of Adam Brown and Matt Cicero were able to capitalize at the third pairing winning 8-1 to give Houghton a needed boost. 

In singles play, the Highlander's would get wins at the back of the lineup from Adam Brown and Nolan Zach. Brown, at the fifth position, would cruise to a 6-1, 6-3 victory, and Zach, at the sixth position overcame his opponent 7-5, 6-4. Levi Webb, Jaimie Staerkle, and Matt Cicero would all have spirited battles in the middle of the lineup, but could not overcome their talented counterparts. 

"It stinks to lose, but the guys battled hard in this match," Coach Zach Shilvock said post match. "Conference play starts next Saturday so we learn from our first half of the season and look forward to seizing the opportunity that lies ahead of us." 

Houghton will travel to Ithaca College Tuesday afternoon, and then prepare for  their conference opener against Nazareth Saturday, April 2nd.